JP7482548B2 - SPORT VIEWING SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR SPORT VIEWING SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SPORT VIEWING SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a viewing system that accepts spectator operations by a viewing user, a computer program for the viewing system, and a control method for the viewing system.

In the game system of Patent Document 1, a spectator game screen generation unit of the game management server transmits the generated spectator game screen to a streaming server for distribution. The generated spectator game screen is then distributed from the streaming server to multiple spectator player terminals. Furthermore, a spectator player instruction reception unit of the game management server receives instructions regarding the game from the spectator player. Then, when the spectator player instruction reception unit receives an instruction for an action from the spectator player, it transmits the received instruction to the game control unit. The game control unit then executes the instructed action and reflects it in the game.

In the game system of Patent Document 1, a spectating screen generation unit of the spectating management server generates a spectating screen to be displayed on the spectating player terminal. Furthermore, the spectating player terminal acquires a mini-game from the spectating management server and executes the acquired mini-game. The spectating player terminal then transmits the execution result of the mini-game to the spectating management server, which in turn transmits the execution result of the mini-game to the game management server. The game management server then affects the game being executed by the player on the game player terminal according to the execution result of the mini-game. In the mini-game, it is possible to create an effect in which the spectating player appears to be cheering on the game player.

In addition, in the system for distributing live videos in Patent Document 2, a video distribution control unit of a video distribution server accepts input of items from each of multiple viewers to the distributor of the live video. Furthermore, the video distribution control unit determines whether or not the item input by the viewer satisfies a predetermined combo condition. Then, the video distribution control unit generates a combo when the predetermined combo condition is satisfied. In response to the occurrence of the combo, the video distribution control unit imparts a value that brings a profit to the distributor. In addition, in the system in Patent Document 2, the viewer screen has a comment input area, a "Like" button, and an item input button.

JP 2015-77291 A Patent No. 6511217

A spectating user who watches a distributed video may wish to have effects that affect the distributed video in response to his or her own operations. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectating user may wish to have effects such as the sound of applause and images of cheering messages output simultaneously with the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since each spectating user performs an operation, effects corresponding to each operation are also output at the respective timing. This makes it difficult for a spectating user to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users.

A spectating system according to one aspect of the present invention is a spectating system in which game footage is distributed to display devices of multiple spectating users, and includes an operation acceptance means for accepting spectator operations by the multiple spectating users, and an effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operations, and the operation acceptance means displays, on the display device, a guide image that provides an instruction for the spectator operations and indicates the operation timing at which the spectator operations should be performed.

A computer program for a spectator system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a computer, and is a computer program for a spectator system in which game video is distributed to display devices of multiple spectator users, and causes the computer to function as an operation acceptance means for accepting spectator operations by the multiple spectator users and an effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operations, and the operation acceptance means causes the display device to display a guide image that provides an instruction for the spectator operations and indicates the operation timing at which the spectator operations should be performed.

A control method for a spectator system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a spectator system in which game video is distributed to display devices of multiple spectator users, and the control method accepts spectator operations by the multiple spectator users, controls the operation effect corresponding to the spectator operations, and displays, as a guide instruction for the spectator operations, a guide image on the display device that provides guidance on the operation timing at which the spectator operations should be performed.

This allows the effects that are achieved in response to operations performed by multiple spectating users to be related to each other. This allows spectating users to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users, increasing their motivation to watch.

Schematic overall diagram of the spectator system. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a viewing system. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a viewing screen in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a viewing screen in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a process according to a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a viewing screen in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart of a process according to a third embodiment.

Below, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be set arbitrarily and can be changed according to the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[First embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 1, a spectating system 100 in which game footage is distributed to display devices of multiple spectating users includes a management server 10. The spectating system 100 also includes a playback terminal 20 for viewing the game footage, a distribution server 30 for distributing the game footage, a game server 60, and a game terminal 70 as an example of a game device. The playback terminal 20 can be connected to the management server 10 via a predetermined network 50. As an example, a spectating user uses the playback terminal 20 at a venue of a game tournament, at the user's home, or the like. The game terminal 70 can be connected to the game server 60 via the predetermined network 50. As an example, a user who plays a game uses the game terminal 70 at a venue of a game tournament, or at a predetermined facility such as a store.

The management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 are configured as a single logical server device by combining multiple server units as computers. However, the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 may be configured as a single server unit. Alternatively, the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 may be configured logically using cloud computing.

The management server 10 manages a viewing service that allows viewing users to view game footage on the playback terminals 20 or users of the playback terminals 20. The viewing service includes a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for the playback terminals 20 via the network 50. The management server 10 appropriately distributes various programs or data required for viewing game footage to each playback terminal 20 through this distribution service.

For example, the management server 10 provides a web service to a user of the playback terminal 20 via the network 50. When a spectating service is provided via the playback terminal 20, the web service includes a video distribution service that distributes the video to be played through the spectating service. The web service may also include other services, such as an information providing service that provides various information related to the video, a community service that provides a forum for users to communicate, such as disseminating, exchanging, and sharing information, and a service that assigns a user ID to identify each user.

The distribution server 30 provides a service of distributing game video to the playback terminal 20 or a user of the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10. As an example, the distribution server 30 distributes game video generated by the game server 60 to the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10. The game video includes a game screen distributed by the distribution server 30, and is displayed simultaneously with a spectator screen managed by the management server 10. Note that the distribution server 30 may distribute video other than the video received from the game server 60. As an example, the distribution server 30 may distribute game video created by a user playing the game. In this case, the distribution server 30 distributes the game video uploaded by the user to the playback terminal 20 via the management server 10.

The game server 60 provides various services for game devices to game terminals 70 or users of game terminals 70. These services include a distribution service that distributes and updates programs or data for game terminals 70 via the network 50. Through this distribution service, the game server 60 appropriately distributes various programs or data necessary to provide game services to each game terminal 70.

The game server 60 provides services for sports games, as an example. For example, the game server 60 provides services for a baseball game, which includes a training part for training baseball players and a match part for playing a game against an opposing team, as a sports game. The game server 60 may also provide services for other games, such as FPS (first-person shooter) games, TPS (third-person shooter) games, RTS (real-time strategy) games, MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games, MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing games), fighting games, racing games, puzzle games, trading card games, and online strategy games. The following describes an example in which the game server 60 provides services for a baseball game.

The service for game devices provided by the game server 60 may include a service in which the game server 60 receives user identification information of a user from the game terminal 70 and authenticates the user. The service for game devices may include a service in which the game server 60 receives and stores play data including game screen images or play results of authenticated users from the game terminal 70. The service for game devices may also include a service in which the game server 60 provides the game terminal 70 with the play data stored by the game server 60. In addition, the service for game devices may include a service in which the game server 60 matches users together when multiple users play a common game via the network 50. The service for game devices may also include a service in which the game server 60 collects fees from users.

The network 50 is configured to connect the game terminal 70 and the playback terminal 20 to the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60, respectively. As an example, the network 50 is configured to realize network communication using the TCP/IP protocol. Specifically, a LAN 52 connects each of the management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60 to the Internet 51. The Internet 51 and the LAN 52 as a WAN are connected via a router 53. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are also configured to be connected to the Internet 51. The management server 10, the distribution server 30, and the game server 60, and the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be connected to each other by the Internet 51 instead of or in addition to the LAN 52.

The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 are computer devices that can be connected to a network. For example, the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 include a stationary or notebook personal computer 54 and a mobile terminal device 55 such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone). In addition, various computer devices such as a stationary home game device, a portable game device, and a portable tablet terminal device are included in the playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 can allow users to enjoy various services provided by the management server 10 and the game server 60 by implementing various computer software. Specifically, the playback terminal 20 functions as a display terminal for game images through software for video playback. Furthermore, the game terminal 70 functions as a game device through software for the game device. The playback terminal 20 and the game terminal 70 may be an arcade game machine.

As an example, in the spectating system 100, the game server 60 provides a game service to the game terminal 70. The game server 60 records game footage of the game being played by the game terminal 70, or game footage created by capturing the game screen, etc. The game footage may be footage related to the game, such as footage captured of a user playing the game or a spectator watching the game. The game server 60 transmits the acquired or created game footage to the distribution server 30. The distribution server 30 then distributes the received game footage. The management server 10 combines the spectating screen with the game footage distributed by the distribution server 30, and provides it to the playback terminal 20.

A spectating user watching the game video can input a spectator operation using the playback terminal 20. The management server 10 then causes the playback terminal 20 to output an operation effect, which is an effect corresponding to the spectator operation, together with the game video. For example, when a spectating user touches an operation button that causes a cheering message to be displayed, the management server 10 accepts the operation as a spectator operation. The management server 10 then combines the cheering message with the game video and displays it on the playback terminal 20. At least two of the management server 10, distribution server 30, and game server 60 can be provided on a single server. For example, the management server 10 can also function as the distribution server 30. Furthermore, the game server 60 can also function as the management server 10 and the distribution server 30.

A spectating user who watches a distributed video may wish to have effects that affect the distributed video in response to his or her own operations. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectating user may wish to have effects such as the sound of applause and images of cheering messages output simultaneously with the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since each spectating user performs an operation, effects corresponding to each operation are also output at the respective timing. This makes it difficult for a spectating user to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the interrelationships between the spectator operation inputs by each of the multiple spectator users are evaluated, and the operation effect changes depending on the evaluation result. This allows the effects exerted in response to the operations of the multiple spectator users to be related to each other. Therefore, the spectator users can feel a sense of solidarity with the other spectator users, and the spectator users' motivation to watch is improved.

[Spectator system control system]
Next, the control system of the spectating system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, the management server 10 includes a server control unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a communication unit (not shown). The server control unit 11 executes various controls for synthesizing a spectating screen with game video received from the distribution server 30 and transmitting the synthesized video to the playback terminal 20. The server storage unit 12 stores the control program of the management server 10, a spectating program PG for providing a spectating service, and spectating data OD used to create a spectating screen.

The distribution server 30 includes a distribution control unit 31, a distribution storage unit 32, and a communication unit (not shown). The distribution control unit 31 executes various controls for distributing the game video received from the game server 60. The distribution storage unit 32 stores the control program of the distribution server 30 and the game video received from the game server 60. The game video may be distributed in a form that distributes the video simultaneously to each user, and may be in the form of real-time video distribution (live distribution) or in the form of non-real-time distribution of, for example, edited video.

The game server 60 includes a game control unit 61, a game storage unit 62, and a communication unit (not shown). The game control unit 61 executes various controls for providing game services to the game terminal 70. Furthermore, the game control unit 61 records images of the game screen, stores them in the game storage unit 62, and uploads them to the distribution server 30 as game images. The game storage unit 62 also stores the control program of the game server 60, user data, which is information related to the user, and game data, which is information related to the game. As an example, the user data includes user identification information and personal information of the user. The game data also includes various data such as image data, BGM data, and user play data. The play data is data for carrying over content specific to each user, such as the user's play history (past achievements), to the next time onwards.

The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various calculation processes and operation controls according to a specified program, internal memory required for the operation of the processor, and other peripheral devices. As an example, these processors are a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), which controls the entire device based on a specified program and also provides overall control over various processes.

The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 are storage devices including computer-readable non-transitory storage media. The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 include storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), and SSD (Solid State Drive) that store programs and system software. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculations, controls, and judgments according to the control programs stored in the ROM or HDD. The server storage unit 12, the distribution storage unit 32, and the game storage unit 62 may store all data in one storage device, or may store data in a distributed manner in multiple storage devices.

A display device that displays the input state, setting state, measurement results, and various information of the device is connected to the server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 via wired or wireless connection. In addition, an operating device including a keyboard or various switches for inputting predetermined commands and data is connected to the server memory unit 12, the distribution memory unit 32, and the game memory unit 62 via wired or wireless connection. The server control unit 11, the distribution control unit 31, and the game control unit 61 can also be controlled according to a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a CF (Compact Flash) card, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The playback terminal 20 includes a playback control unit 21, a playback storage unit 22, an operation unit 23 as an operation device, a display unit 24 as a display device, a speaker 25 as an audio output device, and a communication unit (not shown). The playback storage unit 22 stores a control program for the playback terminal 20 and a playback program for the game video. The playback control unit 21 controls the playback terminal 20 and executes the playback program to display the game video on the display unit 24. The operation unit 23 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and accepts input of a spectator operation by a spectator user. The display unit 24 is a display device such as a television, a display, or a touch panel, and displays the game video watched by the user. The speaker 25 outputs related sounds such as game sounds in association with the playback of the game video. The operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the speaker 25 may be integrated with the playback terminal 20 or may be separate.

The game terminal 70 includes a terminal control unit 71, a terminal memory unit 72, a game operation unit 73, a game display unit 74, and a communication unit (not shown). The terminal memory unit 72 stores the control program and the game program of the game terminal 70. The terminal control unit 71 controls the game terminal 70 and executes the game program to allow the user to play the game. The game operation unit 73 is an operation device such as a controller or a touch panel, and accepts input of game operations by the user. The game display unit 74 is a display device such as a display or a touch panel, and displays the game screen of the game played by the user. The game operation unit 73 and the game display unit 74 may be integrated with the game terminal 70 or may be separate. The game terminal 70 also includes an audio output device (not shown). The terminal control unit 71 controls the progress of the game by executing the game program, but may also control the progress of the game in cooperation with the game control unit 61. For example, the game control unit 61 may control at least a part of the progress of the game, and the terminal control unit 71 may display the result on the game display unit 74. The server control unit 11 also collects play data from the game terminal 70 and manages the collected play data. Furthermore, the server control unit 11 collects game footage and key information for reconstructing the game footage from the game terminal 70.

The playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 are configured as a computer that combines a processor that executes various arithmetic processing and operation control according to a specified program, an internal memory required for the processor's operation, and other peripheral devices. As an example, these processors are a CPU or an MPU, and control the entire device based on a specified program, as well as overall control of various processes. The playback control unit 21 and the terminal control unit 71 can also perform control according to a program stored in portable recording media such as a CD, DVD, CF card, and USB memory, or an external storage medium such as a server on the Internet.

The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 are storage devices including a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 include RAM, which is a system work memory for the processor to operate, as well as storage devices such as ROM, HDD, and SSD that store programs and system software. The processor can execute various processing operations such as calculations, control, and discrimination according to a control program stored in the ROM or HDD. The playback storage unit 22 and the terminal storage unit 72 may hold all data in a single storage device, or may store data in a distributed manner across multiple storage devices.

[Administration Server]
The server control unit 11 of the management server 10 includes, as logical devices, an operation receiving unit 111 as an operation receiving means, an evaluation unit 112 as an evaluation means, an effect control unit 113 as an effect control means, a fee receiving unit 114 as a fee receiving means, a screen generating unit 115 as a screen generating means, and a distribution unit 116 as a distribution means. These logical devices are realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the server control unit 11 and the watching program PG as a software resource.

The operation reception unit 111 receives spectator operations by multiple spectator users input to the playback terminal 20. To this end, the operation reception unit 111 executes a guidance instruction that provides guidance on at least one of the operation timing and operation position at which the spectator operation should be performed. Specifically, the operation reception unit 111 displays a guidance image on the display unit 24 of the playback terminal 20 as a guidance instruction for the spectator operation. This allows the input timing of spectator operations by different spectator users to be aligned, so that the timing of the operation effect that is exerted in response to the spectator operation can be aligned as much as possible. In addition, the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 can be increased according to the result of aligning the input timing of the spectator operation. As an example, FIG. 3 shows a state in which a guide image GI1 is displayed in an operation guide column OG1 on a spectating screen displayed together with a game video. The guide image GI1 moves toward the operation position OP1 over time.

The spectating user then touches the operation position OP1 at the timing when the guide image GI1 reaches the operation position OP1 and the two overlap. This causes the operation reception unit 111 to acquire the input timing and input position of the spectator operation from the operation unit 23 of the playback terminal 20. Note that instead of or in addition to displaying on the display unit 24, the operation reception unit 111 may cause the speaker 25 to output a sound indicating the operation timing and operation position OP1, or cause the playback terminal 20 to output another mode (e.g., vibration) indicating the operation timing.

The operation receiving unit 111 may also provide guidance only on the operation position using the guidance image GI1. For example, when a cheer song is being played and a spectator user touches the operation position OP1 indicated by the guidance image GI1 at the desired timing, the sound of clapping is output. In this case, the timing of touching the operation position OP1 is decided arbitrarily by the spectator user. If the operation timing, such as the timing of clapping, is known to a large number of spectator users, the operation receiving unit 111 can omit the guidance on the operation timing. In this case, even if the spectator users decide arbitrarily, the input timing of spectator operations by multiple spectator users can be aligned.

The operation accepting unit 111 also displays an input field IF on the display unit 24 that displays a guide image GI2 as an operation button in order to execute a guide instruction for a spectator operation. As an example, a plurality of guide images GI2 including the character strings "Cheering", "Cheering 300 Pt", and "Cheering 5000 Pt" are displayed in the input field IF of FIG. 3. In order to provide guidance on the operation timing, the operation accepting unit 111 displays an operation button at the timing when a cheering message is displayed. In the example of FIG. 3, the operation accepting unit 111 displays an operation button at the timing when the pitcher makes a pitching motion. When a spectator user touches the operation button, the operation accepting unit 111 accepts the input of the spectator operation, and a predetermined message is displayed as an effect image.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship between the inputs of the spectator operations by each of the multiple spectator users. One example of the interrelationship is a relationship in which the input timings of the multiple spectator users are close to each other. Specifically, the evaluation unit 112 compares the input timings of the spectator operations by the multiple spectator users to evaluate the interrelationship. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 compares the input timings of the spectator operations by the multiple spectator users based on a reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation receiving unit 111. This makes it possible to align the input timings of the spectator operations by the multiple spectator users based on the reference timing.

As an example, the reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction is the operation timing guided by the guidance instruction. Alternatively, the reference timing is the timing at which the operation position is scheduled to be touched, such as the timing to clap, and is set in response to the guidance instruction. Note that the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate one spectator operation in comparison with other spectator operations, or may compare and evaluate multiple spectator operations. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate a spectator operation by one spectator user in comparison with spectator operations by other spectator users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may compare and evaluate spectator operations identified from multiple spectator actions by one spectator user.

The evaluation unit 112 can identify the input timing based on the start point of the game video playback or the operation timing instructed by the operation reception unit 111. For example, if a viewer operation is input 10 minutes after the start point of the game video playback, the evaluation unit 112 identifies the input timing as 10 minutes after the start of the game video playback. Also, if a viewer operation is input 1 second after the operation timing, the evaluation unit 112 identifies the input timing as 1 second after the operation timing. Similarly, if a viewer operation is input 1 second before the operation timing, the evaluation unit 112 identifies the input timing as 1 second before.

As an example, the evaluation unit 112 acquires the input timing of each of the observer operations of multiple spectator users from the operation receiving unit 111. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates multiple observer operations whose input timing is simultaneous or falls within a predetermined time range as being in a close relationship. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship according to the number of observer operations that are in a close relationship. As a result, if the number of adjacent observer operations is greater than a predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation (GOOD in FIG. 3) as the evaluation result. On the other hand, if the number of adjacent observer operations is less than a predetermined reference value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a low evaluation (POOR in FIG. 3) as the evaluation result. In this case, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationship of the input of the observer operations by dividing them into multiple levels. The evaluation unit 112 may also determine the evaluation result based on the ratio of the number of observer operations that are in a close relationship to the total number of observer operations input within a predetermined time range. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the interrelationships numerically, and may determine a high evaluation as the evaluation result when the accumulated evaluation results reach a predetermined value.

The specified time range is, for example, a range from 0 seconds to 30 seconds from a specified reference. In this case, the evaluation unit 112 uses the first input timing as a reference and determines that viewer operations input within 30 seconds after that are adjacent viewer operations. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 112 uses the operation timing as a reference and determines that viewer operations input within 15 seconds before and after that are adjacent viewer operations. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 may use the median or average value of the input timings of multiple viewer operations as a reference.

The evaluation unit 112 also outputs the evaluation result to the playback terminal 20 together with the game video. In the example of FIG. 3, the evaluation unit 112 displays on the display unit 24 an image of a needle that moves in conjunction with the evaluation so as to point to the right in FIG. 3 in the evaluation result column ER1, so as to indicate "GOOD" as the evaluation result. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 112 may display a character string, number, image, etc., indicating the evaluation result. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to displaying on the display unit 24, the evaluation unit 112 may output a sound indicating the evaluation result to the speaker 25, or cause the playback terminal 20 to output another mode (e.g., vibration, etc.) indicating the evaluation result.

The effect control unit 113 outputs an operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation to the playback terminal 20. As an example, the effect control unit 113 displays the operation effect on the display unit 24 or outputs the operation effect as sound to the speaker 25. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 executes display of an effect image as an operation effect simultaneously with the game video based on the evaluation result. The effect image is character strings such as "Fight" and "GOOD", images of megaphones, musical instruments, balloons, and other images. The effect control unit 113 may also display the effect image by overlapping it with the game video, or may display the effect image so as not to overlap it with the game video. The effect control unit 113 also executes output of an effect sound as an operation effect simultaneously with the game video based on the evaluation result. The effect sound is a cheering song, a cheering tune, the sound of a musical instrument being played, clapping, applause, cheers, calls such as "Fight", and other sounds.

The effect control unit 113 may display, as an operation effect, a message from a spectating user, a meter that changes depending on the number of spectator operation inputs to indicate the level of cheering, or an animation. When displaying an operation effect superimposed on the game video, the effect control unit 113 may display the operation effect superimposed on a specific portion of the game video, for example, an image of a large display included in the game video. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may display a wipe image that displays the operation effect superimposed on the game video. The effect control unit 113 may exert a negative effect on the game video, such as a string of characters, image, or sound indicating booing, as an operation effect.

Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation so that it changes based on the evaluation result of the interrelationship by the evaluation unit 112. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect so that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound changes. For example, when the input timing of many viewer operations is close to each other and the evaluation result is high, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect by emphasizing the image, sound, vibration, or the like. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 displays the image larger, more, darker, or brighter, or blinks or moves the image significantly. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 increases the volume of the sound or repeats the sound. Alternatively, the effect control unit 113 increases the vibration or repeats the vibration. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may additionally output a special effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 may display a performance video.

3, the effect control unit 113 displays a small image of a megaphone and the word "Fight" in small letters as effect image EI1. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 displays a large image of a megaphone and the word "Fight" in large letters as effect image EI2, which is emphasized relative to effect image EI1. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 displays messages as effect images EI3 and EI4. Also, sound effects may be output together with or without displaying effect images. For example, the effect control unit 113 may output a small voice saying "Fight" to the speaker 25 together with effect image EI1. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may output a loud voice saying "Fight" to the speaker 25 together with effect image EI2 as a more emphasized sound effect.

As an example, the predetermined condition for changing the operation effect is satisfied when a high evaluation result is obtained, when a high evaluation result continues for a predetermined time, when a high evaluation result is achieved a predetermined number of times, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the compensation acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the compensation has been completed. Here, the effect control unit 113 may exert a previously changed operation effect, or may change an operation effect that has already been exerted. For example, the effect control unit 113 may display a previously emphasized effect image, or may change the displayed effect image so that it is emphasized. Furthermore, when the predetermined condition is satisfied by the completion of the payment of the compensation, the degree of change may be varied according to the amount of the compensation. For example, the degree of emphasis may be made stronger when the amount of the compensation is large, and the degree of emphasis may be made weaker when the amount of the compensation is small. When the degree of change is varied according to the amount of the compensation, it may be changed for each viewer according to the amount of the compensation paid by one viewer, or it may be changed according to the total amount of the compensation paid by multiple viewers.

The fee acceptance unit 114 accepts payment of a fee for a spectator operation. As an example, the fee acceptance unit 114 determines that a fee is to be paid when the spectator user selects an operation button in the input field IF. The fee acceptance unit 114 then displays a payment screen (not shown) for the fee for the spectator operation on the display unit 24 of the playback terminal 20. The spectator user selects a desired spectator operation from the displayed spectator operations via the payment screen. The playback terminal 20 then transmits payment information including unique billing target information that identifies the selected spectator operation to a payment server (not shown). The payment server performs a payment process to consume the billing target amount corresponding to the billing target information, and transmits the result of the payment process to the playback terminal 20 and the management server 10.

When the payment is completed, the playback terminal 20 displays the result of the payment process on the display unit 24. When the payment is completed and the payment is made, the payment acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment is complete and notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment. The effect control unit 113 then exerts an operation effect corresponding to the observer operation. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image EI4 as an operation effect corresponding to the observer operation for which the payment was made. The spectating user can pay the payment using consumable media such as tokens, virtual currency, crypto assets, electronic money, and points. The consumable media can also be purchased in advance, or can be purchased after or before the observer operation is input.

Spectator operations include operations that require the consumption of a fee and operations that do not require a fee. By performing a spectator operation that requires the consumption of a fee, an operation effect can be exerted or the operation effect can be changed. In the example of FIG. 3, the spectator user can select an operation button that includes the character string "support" displayed in the input field IF to perform a spectator operation that does not require a fee. In this case, the effect control unit 113 displays a message "Support from A" as a normal effect image. In addition, the spectator user can pay, for example, 300 Pt as a fee after performing a spectator operation that does not require a fee by selecting an operation button that includes the character string "support" displayed in the input field IF. Alternatively, the spectator user can select an operation button that includes the character string "support 300 Pt" displayed in the input field IF to perform a spectator operation that requires the consumption of a fee. In this case, the effect control unit 113 changes the normal effect image and further displays the paid fee "300 Pt". Note that the effect control unit 113 may change the operation effect in other ways, for example, by highlighting the message.

The effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound when a fee is paid for the spectator operation. For example, when a fee is paid, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect by the image, sound, vibration, or the like so as to emphasize it. In the example of FIG. 3, when the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts the operation of the spectator user on the operation button displayed in the input field IF, the effect control unit 113 displays an emphasized message as the effect image EI4.

At this time, when the compensation is paid, the effect control unit 113 changes the display mode of the effect image so that it is emphasized. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 displays a large character string of "5000 Pt" as effect image EI4 that is emphasized relative to effect image EI3. Alternatively, when the compensation is paid, the effect control unit 113 may change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the sound effect according to the amount of the compensation. In the example of FIG. 3, the effect control unit 113 changes the display mode of the effect image so as to display the amount of the compensation. Furthermore, when an area for inputting a message is provided, the effect control unit 113 may display a message input by the spectator user via the operation unit 23.

The screen generation unit 115 acquires various data such as images from the operation acceptance unit 111, the evaluation unit 112, the effect control unit 113, and the compensation acceptance unit 114, and generates a spectator screen that is displayed simultaneously with the game video. The spectator screen is generated as an image or video. For example, the screen generation unit 115 generates the spectator screen in various formats such as MPEG format. In the example of FIG. 3, the screen generation unit 115 includes a display area PB for the game video, a control area (not shown), and a spectator screen (FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the spectator screen includes effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, an evaluation result column ER1, an operation guide column OG1, and an input column IF.

The screen generating unit 115 superimposes the generated spectator screen on the game video. As an example, an upper layer including the spectator screen is superimposed on a lower layer including the display area of the game video. The upper layer is configured as a transparent image so as not to interfere with the display of the game video. Then, on the upper layer, effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, evaluation result column ER1, operation guide column OG1, and input column IF are displayed at the timing when each of them is displayed. For example, when a spectator operation is input, effect images EI1, EI2, EI3 are displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, when a spectator user performs a predetermined operation, effect images EI1, EI2, EI3, evaluation result column ER1, operation guide column OG1, or input column IF may be displayed on the upper layer. Alternatively, the screen generating unit 115 may arrange the spectator screen so as not to overlap with the game video.

To provide the spectating service, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game video and the spectating screen to the playback terminal 20. As an example, the distribution unit 116 displays the game video and the spectating screen on a web page accessed by the spectating user.

[Processing flow by the spectator system]
The processing flow of the event observation system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The event observation system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. For example, in the case of live distribution, the event observation system 100 starts processing when filming starts.

The server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires game footage from the distribution server 30 (S101). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires data for displaying the operation guide field OG1 from the operation acceptance unit 111, and further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result field ER1 from the evaluation unit 112, to generate a spectating screen (S102). Next, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game footage and the spectating screen to the playback terminal 20 (S103). Then, the playback terminal 20 displays the game footage and the spectating screen on the display unit 24.

When the time to accept spectator operations arrives, for example the time to distribute the match part, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes an operation acceptance process to accept the spectator operations (S104), and displays a guide image GI1 in the operation guide field OG1 to guide the operation timing and operation position OP1. Furthermore, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image GI2 in the input field IF. To this end, the screen generation unit 115 generates a spectating screen so that the guide images GI1 and GI2 are displayed. The distribution unit 116 then distributes the generated spectating screen.

The operation accepting unit 111 may determine the timing for accepting the observer's operation by using the sound included in the game video, the game situation, the time elapsed since the start of playback, the time, or timing information added by the person uploading or distributing the game video. The timing for accepting the observer's operation may also be the timing when the game situation changes, such as when the bottom of the seventh inning starts, when the opponent is winning or losing, when a point is added, and when a game character appears.

In the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12. As an example, the spectator data OD includes image data, music data, and sequence data. The image data includes, for example, data on icons, various objects, and backgrounds in addition to the guide images GI1 and GI2. The music data includes data on musical tones, songs, and sound effects. The sequence data is data that defines the operation procedure, and includes, for example, data on the display timing of the guide image GI1, the type of the guide image GI1, and the operation timing.

Then, the operation reception unit 111 guides the operation timing and the operation position OP1 by the guide image GI1 moving toward the operation position OP1. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the operation reception unit 111 reads out the operation timing at which each of the multiple operation positions OP1 should be touched from the sequence data. Then, the operation reception unit 111 determines the timing to make the guide image GI1 appear at the appearance position by calculating backwards while referring to the information on the movement speed of the guide image GI1. After that, the operation reception unit 111 moves the guide image GI1 toward the operation position OP1 according to the referred movement speed. Then, when the spectator user touches the operation position OP1, the operation reception unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. Note that, although the act of the spectator user touching the operation position OP1 is considered to be a spectator operation that does not require a fee in this specification, it may be a spectator operation that requires a fee.

If a spectator user does not touch an operation button in the input field IF as a spectator operation to cheer, but touches, for example, operation position OP1, the payment acceptance unit 114 does not determine that a payment of a payment will occur (NO in S105). Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships between the spectator operation inputs by each of the multiple spectator users (S106). Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 refers to the evaluation result of the interrelationships by the evaluation unit 112 and determines whether or not a predetermined condition is met (S107). If the predetermined condition is met (YES in S107), the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S108), for example, exerting an emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not met (NO in S107), the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S109).

If the broadcast is to end after that, for example because the game video has been played to the end (YES in S110), the spectating system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, if the broadcast is to continue (NO in S110), the spectating system 100 repeats the process. Note that the effect control unit 113 uses the spectating data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 to exert or change the operation effect. As an example, the spectating data OD includes image data of an effect image and music data of an effect sound.

In addition, in the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches an operation button in the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the type of the spectator operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the spectator operation. The payment acceptance unit 114 acquires the type of the spectator operation from the operation acceptance unit 111 and determines that payment of a fee may occur (YES in S105). The payment acceptance unit 114 then displays a payment screen on the display unit 24. Furthermore, the payment acceptance unit 114 determines whether or not payment of the fee has been completed through the settlement process (S111). When the payment acceptance unit 114 determines that payment of the fee has been completed (YES in S111), it notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of payment.

When the fee has been paid in this manner, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S112), for example, to produce an emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, when the fee has not been paid (NO in S111), for example, when the spectator user selects a type of spectator operation that does not require a fee, the effect control unit 113 produces a normal operation effect according to the type of spectator operation obtained from the operation receiving unit 111 (S113). Thereafter, if the distribution is to end because the game video has been played to the end or for other reasons (YES in S110), the spectating system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, if the distribution is to continue (NO in S110), the spectating system 100 repeats the process.

According to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to provide correlation between effects exerted in response to operations between multiple spectator users. That is, the interrelationship between the input of the spectator operation by each of the multiple spectator users is evaluated, and the operation effect changes according to the evaluation result. Therefore, the spectator user can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the motivation of the spectator user to watch is improved. In addition, when the interrelationship is highly evaluated, for example, when the input of the spectator operation by each of the multiple spectator users is close to each other, the operation effect changes, for example, the cheering content is emphasized. Therefore, the spectator user can obtain a reward that the effect of the cheering action is improved. This can motivate the spectator users to cheer in solidarity. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience of performing a cheering action together with the multiple spectator users.

When the spectating user pays the fee, a privilege may be given to the distributor of the game video, the spectating user, the game player, or the team playing the game. For example, at least a portion of the fee paid by the spectating user may be used to be given to the game player as a privilege. Furthermore, a privilege for playing the game advantageously may be given to the game player according to the amount of the fee paid by the spectating user. The privilege for playing the game advantageously may be, for example, experience points consumed when training a game character, and improved abilities of the game character. The content of these privileges can be determined by the game control unit 61 based on information on the amount of the fee provided from the management server 10 to the game server 60. In addition, as a case where at least a portion of the fee is given as a privilege, in addition to a case where it is given directly as a fee, it may be given by converting it into a currency or the like that is valid within the game.

Furthermore, depending on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112, a bonus may be given to the distributor of the game video, the spectating user, the player of the game, or the team playing the game. For example, if a high evaluation result is obtained, a bonus may be given to the player of the game to give them an advantage in the game. The game server 60 can obtain the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 from the management server 10 and determine the content of the bonus depending on the evaluation result.

The effect control unit 113 may also exert the operation effect simultaneously with the observer operation, or may exert the operation effect when a predetermined time has passed since the observer operation. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may exert the operation effect when a predetermined condition is satisfied simultaneously with the timing at which the condition is satisfied, or may exert the operation effect when a predetermined time has passed since the timing at which the condition is satisfied. In addition, the effect control unit 113 may exert the operation effect in association with the progress of the game. For example, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate in advance a plurality of observer operations input at the operation timing guided by the guide image GI1, and the effect control unit 113 may exert the operation effect according to the evaluation result at a specific timing determined by the progress of the game. As an example, the specific timing is the timing from the end of the top of the seventh inning to the start of the bottom of the seventh inning in a baseball game, and the effect control unit 113 displays the operation effect of flying a balloon at that timing.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components already described will be given the same reference numbers and their description may be omitted. Except as otherwise described, components given the same reference numbers perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

A spectating user who watches a distributed video may wish to have effects that affect the distributed video in response to his or her own operations. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectating user may wish to have effects such as the sound of applause and images of cheering messages output simultaneously with the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since each spectating user performs an operation, effects corresponding to each operation are also output at the respective timing. This makes it difficult for a spectating user to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users.

In the second embodiment, the operation receiving unit 111 accepts a subordinate operation when it accepts a primary operation. This allows multiple spectating users to work together to realize a cheering action that is composed of an operation effect due to a primary operation and an operation effect due to a subordinate operation. This allows the spectating users to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users, which increases their motivation to watch.

The operation acceptance unit 111 of the second embodiment accepts, as a viewer operation, a primary operation that requires the consumption of a fee, and when the primary operation is accepted, accepts a subordinate operation as a viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 6, the primary operation is a viewer operation that outputs a cheer song, requiring the consumption of a fee of 5,000 Pt. The subordinate operations are a viewer operation that outputs the sound of a cheer, requiring the consumption of a fee of 300 Pt, and a viewer operation that outputs the sound of a drum without requiring a fee.

The operation accepting unit 111 displays the guide image GI3, which is also an operation button, in the input field IF as a guide instruction for the primary operation. As an example, the input field IF in FIG. 6 displays the guide image GI3 including the character string "Cheer song 5000 Pt." The character string "5000 Pt" displayed by the operation accepting unit 111 indicates the amount of the price to be consumed. Furthermore, when the operation accepting unit 111 accepts a primary operation from a spectating user, it displays the guide images GI4 and GI5, which are also operation buttons, in the input field IF as a guide instruction for a secondary operation. As an example, the input field IF in FIG. 6 displays the guide image GI4 including the character string "Cheer 300 Pt" and the guide image GI5 including the character string "Drum."

When the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts a primary operation, it displays a guide instruction for a secondary operation. As an example, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires a secondary operation associated with the accepted primary operation from the server storage unit 12. Then, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image for the associated secondary operation on the display unit 24. Alternatively, when the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts a primary operation, it may display a selection button on the spectator screen of the spectator user who performed the primary operation. The spectator user can select a secondary operation to be associated with the primary operation by touching the selection button. Then, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image for the secondary operation associated by the spectator user on the display unit 24. In this way, when the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts a primary operation, it can execute a guide instruction for the secondary operation. As a result, when the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts a primary operation, it can accept a secondary operation. Alternatively, the operation acceptance unit 111 may be configured to select a displayed guide image for a subordinate operation when the primary operation is not accepted, but not to accept the subordinate operation.

Furthermore, the operation reception unit 111 displays a guide image GI6 on the display unit 24 as a guide instruction for the subordinate operation, which guides the operation timing at which the subordinate operation should be performed in cooperation with the judgment line L. The operation reception unit 111 then instructs the operation timing of the subordinate operation by the guide image GI6, which is a guide instruction. In the example of FIG. 6, the operation reception unit 111 moves the judgment line L from left to right in FIG. 6 over time in the operation guide field OG2. Then, a spectator user performing a subordinate operation touches the guide images GI4 and GI5 at the timing when the judgment line L reaches each guide image GI6 and the two overlap. As a result, the operation reception unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position as an input operation from the operation unit 23 of the playback terminal 20. Alternatively, the position touched by the user may be set to the position where the guide image GI6 and the judgment line L overlap, another button image, or any position on the display unit 24. For example, if the position touched by the user is a position where the guide image GI6 and the judgment line L overlap, the spectator user can touch either the guide image GI4 or the guide image GI5 before starting to touch the overlapping position to set whether or not the spectator operation to be performed will generate a fee. In other words, if the guide image GI4 is touched and set, a fee may be generated for the first touch operation performed on the overlapping position during the cheering period (for example, until the performance of one cheer song ends), and a fee may not be generated for subsequent touch operations on the overlapping position. Also, if the overlapping position is touched without touching either the guide image GI4 or GI5, a fee may not be generated by default.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships between inputs corresponding to dependent operations by each of the multiple spectating users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships according to the number of dependent operations in close proximity. In the example of FIG. 6, the evaluation unit 112 accumulates points corresponding to the number of dependent operations in close proximity as the evaluation result. Then, the evaluation unit 112 causes the playback terminal 20 to display the evaluation result together with the game video in the evaluation result column ER2. When the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines the high evaluation as the evaluation result.

The effect control unit 113 displays the operation effects corresponding to the primary operation and the secondary operation on the display unit 24, or outputs the operation effects to the speaker 25. In the example of FIG. 6, when the spectator user selects the guide image GI3 as the primary operation, the effect control unit 113 outputs the sound of the cheer song to the speaker 25. Here, the effect control unit 113 may further display the lyrics of the cheer song on the display unit 24. Also, when the spectator user selects the guide image GI5 as the secondary operation, the effect control unit 113 outputs the sound of the drumming to the speaker 25. Furthermore, when the spectator user selects the guide image GI4 as the secondary operation, the effect control unit 113 outputs the sound of a call (e.g., a call of a player's name) to the speaker 25. When a secondary operation is selected, the effect control unit 113 may further display an image indicating a sound (e.g., the character string "Don" indicating the sound of the drum and the character string "Aoi" indicating a call) on the display unit 24.

The subordinate operation may be an operation for executing a special effect. For example, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guide image including the character string "balloon" as a guide instruction for the subordinate operation. Then, when the spectating user touches the guide image, the effect control unit 113 displays a performance image of balloons flying. This allows multiple spectating users to cooperate to produce multiple different operation effects, such as the audio output of cheer songs and the display of performance images. Therefore, the spectating users can work together to perform a cheer consisting of multiple different operation effects.

Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation so that it changes based on the evaluation result of the interrelationship by the evaluation unit 112. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition. In the example of FIG. 6, when the synchro points, which are the accumulated evaluation results, reach a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit 113 causes an additional special performance to be output as the changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 repeats the cheer song that was being output. This allows the spectator user to input the subordinate operation again.

The consideration acceptance unit 114 accepts payment of the consideration for the spectator operation. As an example, the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that a consideration payment will occur when the spectator user selects an operation button in the input field IF. The consideration acceptance unit 114 then displays a payment screen (not shown) for the consideration for the spectator operation on the display unit 24 of the playback terminal 20. When the settlement is completed and the consideration is paid, the consideration acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the consideration is complete, and notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

Here, the effect control unit 113 controls the operation effect of the subordinate operation so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the sound effect when a fee is paid for the subordinate operation. For example, the effect control unit 113 emphasizes and outputs the sound of a drum or a shout more loudly as an operation effect corresponding to the subordinate operation for which a fee has been paid. In addition, the effect control unit 113 may repeat the cheer song that was being output as a special effect. This allows the spectator user to input the subordinate operation again.

The screen generation unit 115 acquires various data such as images from the operation acceptance unit 111, the evaluation unit 112, the effect control unit 113, and the compensation acceptance unit 114, and generates a spectator screen that is displayed simultaneously with the game video. In the example of FIG. 6, the screen generation unit 115 generates a spectator screen that includes an evaluation result field ER2, an operation guide field OG2, and an input field IF.

[Processing flow by the spectator system]
The processing flow of the game watching system 100 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that in Fig. 7, for the sake of convenience, some of the processing already described is omitted from the flow diagram.

The spectating system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires game footage from the distribution server 30 (S201). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires data for displaying the operation guide field OG2 from the operation acceptance unit 111, and further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result field ER2 from the evaluation unit 112, to generate a spectating screen (S202). Next, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game footage and the spectating screen to the playback terminal 20 (S203). As a result, the playback terminal 20 displays the game footage and the spectating screen on the display unit 24.

When the time to accept the main operation arrives, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes the operation acceptance process (S204) and displays the guide image GI3 in the input field IF. The screen generation unit 115 also generates a spectator screen so that the guide image GI3 is displayed. The distribution unit 116 then distributes the generated spectator screen. For example, the time to accept the main operation is when the match part is distributed, when the bottom of the seventh inning starts, when the match ends, etc.

In the operation acceptance process, when the spectator user touches an operation button in the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the type of the spectator operation as the selected operation button according to the input position of the spectator operation. The payment acceptance unit 114 acquires the type of the spectator operation from the operation acceptance unit 111, and if it determines that it is a primary operation (YES in S205), it determines that a payment of a payment will occur. Then, the payment acceptance unit 114 displays a payment screen on the display unit 24. Furthermore, the payment acceptance unit 114 judges whether or not the payment of the payment has been completed through the settlement process (S206). Then, if the payment acceptance unit 114 determines that the payment of the payment has been completed (YES in S206), it notifies the effect control unit 113 of the completion of the payment.

If the fee has been paid, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect of the main operation (S207). For example, the effect control unit 113 outputs a cheering song to the speaker 25. On the other hand, if the operation is not the main operation (NO in S205), for example, if a spectator operation other than touching an operation button in the input field IF is performed, the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect. After that, if the distribution is to end because the game video has been played to the end (YES in S211), the spectating system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, if the distribution is to continue (NO in S211), the spectating system 100 repeats the process. The same applies if the fee has not been paid (NO in S206). That is, if the distribution is to end (YES in S211), the spectating system 100 ends the process, but if the distribution is to continue (NO in S211), it repeats the process.

When the compensation for the primary operation has been paid, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image GI6 in the operation guide field OG2 to guide the operation timing of the subordinate operation (S208). Furthermore, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays guide images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF to guide the operation position of the subordinate operation (S208). Furthermore, the screen generation unit 115 generates a spectator screen so that the guide images GI4 and GI5 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated spectator screen.

When the spectator user touches the guide images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF, the operation reception unit 111 acquires the type of viewer operation selected according to the input position of the viewer operation. Then, according to the type of viewer operation acquired from the operation reception unit 111, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect of the subordinate operation (S210). Here, when a fee is paid for the subordinate operation, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to change the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound.

In addition, in the operation acceptance process, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12. In the example of FIG. 6, the operation acceptance unit 111 guides the operation timing of the subordinate operation by the judgment line L and the guide image GI6. Then, when the spectator user touches the guide images GI4 and GI5 in the input field IF, the operation acceptance unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. In addition, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships between the inputs of the spectator operations by each of the multiple spectator users.

Then, the effect control unit 113 refers to the result of the evaluation of the interrelationship by the evaluation unit 112 and judges whether or not a predetermined condition is met. If the predetermined condition is met, for example, if the accumulated synchronization points reach a predetermined value, the effect control unit 113 changes and exerts the operation effect of the subordinate operation (S210). On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not met, the effect control unit 113 exerts the normal operation effect (S210). After that, if the distribution is to end because the game video has been played to the end (YES in S211), the spectating system 100 ends the processing. On the other hand, if the distribution is to continue (NO in S211), the spectating system 100 repeats the processing.

According to the second embodiment described above, it is possible to provide correlation between effects exerted in response to operations between multiple spectating users. That is, the operation receiving unit 111 accepts a subordinate operation when it accepts a primary operation. This allows multiple spectating users to work together to realize a cheering action composed of an operation effect due to a primary operation and an operation effect due to a subordinate operation. As a result, the spectating users can feel a sense of solidarity with the other spectating users, which increases their motivation to watch. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectating users with a simulated experience of multiple spectating users performing a cheering action together.

In the second embodiment, the evaluation unit 112 may or may not evaluate the interrelationship of the input of the spectator operation. The subordinate operation may be performed by the spectator user who performed the main operation. For example, the spectator user who performed the main operation may perform the subordinate operation together with another user. Alternatively, the operation acceptance unit 111 may be configured not to accept the subordinate operation from the spectator user who performed the main operation. For example, the operation acceptance unit 111 may not display the input field IF for the subordinate operation on the spectating screen watched by the spectator user who performed the main operation. In addition, when the main operations by multiple spectator users overlap, the operation acceptance unit 111 may accept only the main operation received by the management server 10 earliest. In this case, an image indicating an error may be displayed for the subsequent main operation. Furthermore, when the main operations overlap, the operation acceptance unit 111 may accept multiple main operations that arrive within a predetermined time from the main operation received earliest. In this case, the compensation receiving unit 114 may charge each spectating user an amount obtained by equally dividing the compensation for the main operation among the number of spectating users who input the accepted main operation. Note that overlapping of main operations refers to receiving a main operation from one of the spectating users in a state where a main operation is received and the operation effect corresponding to the main operation (e.g., playing a cheering song) has not yet ended.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the description of the third embodiment, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and components already described will be given the same reference numbers and their description may be omitted. Except as otherwise described, components given the same reference numbers perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

A spectating user who watches a distributed video may wish to have effects that affect the distributed video in response to his or her own operations. For example, when a game video is distributed, a spectating user may wish to have effects such as the sound of applause and images of cheering messages output simultaneously with the game video in order to cheer on the player playing the game. In this case, since each spectating user performs an operation, effects corresponding to each operation are also output at the respective timing. This makes it difficult for a spectating user to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users.

In the third embodiment, the operation receiving unit 111 displays, as a guide instruction for the spectator operation, a guide image on the display unit 24 to guide the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed. This allows correlation to be created between the effects exerted in response to the operations of multiple spectator users. In other words, since the input timing of the spectator operations by different spectator users can be aligned, the timing of the operation effects exerted in response to the spectator operations can be aligned as much as possible. This allows the spectator users to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and increases their motivation to watch.

Furthermore, if the effects are output irregularly, it gives the spectator users watching the game footage a cumbersome impression, reducing their motivation to watch. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the effect control unit 113 exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the spectator operation. This makes it possible to align the timing of the operation effect exerted in response to the spectator operation as closely as possible. This makes it possible to prevent the spectator users watching the game footage from feeling cumbersome.

The operation reception unit 111 displays, on the display unit 24, a guide image that guides the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed as a guide instruction for the spectator operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation reception unit 111 displays an image including the character string "balloon" as a guide image GI7 that guides the operation timing. The operation reception unit 111 also displays, in the input field IF, a guide image GI8 including the character string "red balloon" and a guide image GI8 including the character string "blue balloon" as a guide instruction for the spectator operation to exert the operation effect of flying a balloon. The spectator user can exert the operation effect by touching the guide image GI8 at the target operation timing. For example, the operation reception unit 111 outputs a cheer song from the speaker 25 at the start of the bottom of the seventh inning. The operation reception unit 111 then guides the spectator user by using the cooperation of the guide image GI7 and the judgment line L2 to determine the operation timing as the timing at which the cheer song ends.

As an example, the operation acceptance unit 111 uses the spectator data OD stored in the server storage unit 12 to provide guidance on the operation timing. The operation acceptance unit 111 reads out the operation timing for touching the guide image GI8 from the sequence data of the spectator data OD. The operation acceptance unit 111 then calculates backwards to determine the timing for making the guide image GI7 appear at the appearance position while referring to information on the movement speed of the judgment line L2. After that, the operation acceptance unit 111 moves the judgment line L2 from left to right in FIG. 8 toward the guide image GI7 according to the referenced movement speed.

The spectator user releases a balloon of the team color of the team he/she supports according to the operation timing indicated. For example, if the team color is red, the spectator user touches the guide image GI8 including the character string "red balloon" at the timing when the judgment line L2 reaches (overlaps) the guide image GI7. Then, the operation reception unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. By the spectator user following the guide instruction, the input timing of the spectator operation by different spectator users can be aligned as much as possible. As shown in FIG. 8, if the timing of the spectator operations of many spectator users is concentrated at the same time, the effect image EI5 of many balloons is displayed at the same time. The operation reception unit 111 may also provide guidance instructions in other ways. For example, if it is decided that the hands will be clapped at a specific timing during the performance of the cheer song, the operation reception unit 111 may provide guidance on the operation timing of the spectator operation that outputs the sound of clapping. Note that instead of the guide image GI8, the spectator user may set the team to support in advance, and an operation button including the character string "balloon" without a color may be displayed. In this case, when a spectator user touches an operation button, balloons of a color corresponding to the set support team may be displayed. This can prevent operation errors by the spectator user and prevent the spectator user from accidentally rooting for the opposing team.

Furthermore, the operation acceptance unit 111 may accept, as a viewer operation, a primary operation that requires the consumption of a compensation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation of selecting the guide image GI3 to output a cheering song is the primary operation. Then, when the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts the primary operation, it accepts a subordinate operation as a viewer operation. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation of selecting the guide image GI8 to display an image of a balloon flying is the subordinate operation. Then, the operation acceptance unit 111 provides guidance on the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the primary operation is being executed. In the example of FIG. 8, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image GI7 that provides guidance on the operation timing of the subordinate operation during the period in which the sound of the cheering song is being output as the operation effect corresponding to the primary operation. In this case, the sound of the cheering song is not output automatically, but is output on the condition that the primary operation is accepted.

The spectating user may set the operation timing of the subordinate operation. For example, the spectating user who performed the primary operation inputs specific information indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation (as an example, the elapsed time from the start of the cheer song) from the playback terminal 20. The server control unit 11 inserts data indicating the operation timing of the subordinate operation into the sequence data based on the input specific information. By referring to this sequence data, the operation acceptance unit 111 issues a guidance instruction so that the judgment line L2 reaches the guidance image GI7 at the timing input by the spectating user who performed the primary operation.

The evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships between the inputs of observer operations by each of the multiple spectator users. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships according to the number of observer operations that are in close proximity. In the example of FIG. 8, the evaluation unit 112 accumulates points corresponding to the number of observer operations that are in close proximity as the evaluation result. Then, the evaluation unit 112 causes the playback terminal 20 to display the evaluation result together with the game video in the evaluation result column ER2. When the accumulated evaluation result reaches a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines the high evaluation as the evaluation result.

The effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect based on the input timing of the observer operation. Specifically, the effect control unit 113 displays the operation effect corresponding to the observer operation on the display unit 24, or outputs it as sound from the speaker 25. In the example of FIG. 8, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image EI5 as an operation effect. Note that in the example of FIG. 8, the effect control unit 113 displays an effect image EI5 to show a balloon flying. At the same time, the effect control unit 113 may output the sound of a whistle to the speaker 25 as a sound effect when the balloon flies.

Furthermore, when the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition, the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect corresponding to the viewer's operation. In the example of FIG. 8, when the synchro points, which are the accumulated evaluation results, reach a predetermined value, the evaluation unit 112 determines a high evaluation as the evaluation result. When a high evaluation is determined, the effect control unit 113 outputs an additional special performance as the changed operation effect. For example, the effect control unit 113 increases the number of balloons displayed.

As a result, when the inputs of the spectator operations by each of the multiple spectator users are strongly related to each other, for example, when there are many spectator operations that are closely related to each other, the effect control unit 113 exerts a predetermined operation effect or exerts a larger operation effect. To this end, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guide image on the display unit 24 that guides the operation timing of the spectator operation. As a result, the multiple spectator users can be guided to operate at close timings, and the correlation between the inputs of the spectator operations by each of the multiple spectator users can be strengthened. On the other hand, when the spectator operations of each spectator user are evaluated by comparing them with the guided operation timing, each spectator user cannot synchronize the input timing of the spectator operation with the other spectator users. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a sense of solidarity with the other spectator users.
The configuration is different.

[Processing flow by the spectator system]
The processing flow of the game watching system 100 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that in Fig. 9, for the sake of convenience, the illustration of the flow of some of the processing already described is omitted.

The spectating system 100 starts processing when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the server control unit 11 of the management server 10 acquires game footage from the distribution server 30 (S301). Then, the screen generation unit 115 acquires data for displaying the operation guide field OG2 from the operation acceptance unit 111, and further acquires data for displaying the evaluation result field ER2 from the evaluation unit 112, to generate a spectating screen (S302). Next, the distribution unit 116 distributes the game footage and the spectating screen to the playback terminal 20 (S303). As a result, the playback terminal 20 displays the game footage and the spectating screen on the display unit 24.

When the time to accept the observer operation approaches, the operation acceptance unit 111 executes the operation acceptance process (S304). In the example of FIG. 8, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image GI7 on the display unit 24 to guide the operation timing of the observer operation, and moves it toward the bar. For example, the timing when the guide image GI7 reaches the bar is the timing when the cheer song ends. Furthermore, the operation acceptance unit 111 displays a guide image GI8 in the input field IF. Furthermore, the screen generation unit 115 generates a spectating screen so that the guide images GI7 and GI8 are displayed. Then, the distribution unit 116 distributes the generated spectating screen. Note that when the operation acceptance unit 111 accepts the main operation, steps S204 to S209 shown in FIG. 7 are executed instead of step S304.

In the operation reception process, when a spectator user touches an operation button in the input field IF, the operation reception unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the spectator operation. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the interrelationships between the spectator operation inputs by each of the multiple spectator users (S305). Then, the effect control unit 113 refers to the evaluation result of the interrelationships by the evaluation unit 112 and judges whether a predetermined condition is met (S306). If the predetermined condition is met (YES in S306), the effect control unit 113 changes the operation effect (S307), for example, exerts an emphasized operation effect. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is not met (NO in S306), the effect control unit 113 exerts a normal operation effect (S308). After that, if the distribution is to be ended because the game video has been played to the end or for other reasons (YES in S309), the spectating system 100 ends the process. On the other hand, if the distribution is to be continued (NO in S309), the spectating system 100 repeats the process.

According to the third embodiment described above, it is possible to provide correlation between the effects exerted in response to the operations of multiple spectator users. That is, the operation receiving unit 111 displays a guide image on the display unit 24 to guide the operation timing of the spectator operation as a guide instruction for the spectator operation. This allows multiple spectator users to work together to realize a cheering action consisting of multiple operation effects by spectator operations with the same input timing. Therefore, the spectator users can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectator users, and the spectator users' motivation to watch is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectator users with a simulated experience of performing a cheering action together with multiple spectator users. In addition, it is possible to align the timing of the operation effects exerted in response to the spectator operations as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the spectator users watching the game video from feeling cumbersome.

In the third embodiment, the main operation may be executable without consuming a fee. That is, the spectator user may be able to execute the main operation without paying a fee. Even in this case, the timing of the operation effect that is exerted in response to the observer operation can be synchronized as much as possible. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 112 does not need to evaluate the interrelationship between the inputs of the observer operations. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may exert the same operation effect as the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound, regardless of the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112.

The present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Inventions that have been modified without going against the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form can be appropriately combined without going against the present invention.

For example, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the input timing of the spectator operation by each spectator user. That is, the evaluation unit 112 may evaluate the spectator operation by each spectator user based on a reference timing corresponding to the guidance instruction by the operation reception unit 111. For example, the reference timing is the operation timing. In this case, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so that the display mode of the effect image or the output mode of the effect sound changes based on the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112. Furthermore, the effect control unit 113 may control the operation effect so as to affect the video distributed to each spectator user, or may control the operation effect so as to affect the video distributed to all spectator users.

As an example, the operation reception unit 111 acquires the input timing and input position of the observer operation by each spectator user. Then, the evaluation unit 112 evaluates the observer operation based on a comparison between the acquired input timing and input position and the operation timing and operation position guided by the guide image. Then, when the evaluation unit 112 determines that the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, it evaluates the observer operation so as to increase the evaluation result. For example, the evaluation unit 112 adds points to each spectator user. When the evaluation result by the evaluation unit 112 satisfies a predetermined condition, the effect control unit 113 exerts an operation effect or changes the operation effect.

In the above description, the management server 10 composites the spectator screen with the game video to be distributed. However, the playback control unit 21 may display fixed parts such as frames of the spectator screen by executing a program downloaded in advance to the playback terminal 20. In this case, the management server 10 or the distribution server 30 may distribute the dynamic parts such as cheering messages from spectating users or operation effects by spectator operations. Furthermore, the game server 60, the distribution server 30, and the management server 10 may belong to different systems and may be operated by different administrators. For example, the management server 10 may be configured to acquire game video from the outside, composite the spectator screen with the game video, and distribute it. In this case, the management server 10 may receive information on the progress of the game from the game server 60 at any time, or may receive a signal from the game server 60 notifying the acceptance timing at which the spectator operation can be accepted. Alternatively, the operator monitoring the progress of the game may input the information on the progress of the game or the signal notifying the acceptance timing.

Various aspects derived from the above-described embodiments and modified examples are described below. In order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference symbols shown in the attached drawings are used. However, the reference symbols are not used with the intention of limiting the present invention to the illustrated forms.

A spectating system (100) in which game footage is distributed to display devices (24) of multiple spectating users comprises an operation acceptance means (111) for accepting spectator operations by the multiple spectator users, and an effect control means (113) for controlling operation effects corresponding to the spectator operations, and the operation acceptance means displays on the display device a guide image that provides guidance on the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed, as a guidance instruction for the spectator operation.
In addition, a computer program for a spectating system (100) that includes a computer (11) and distributes game footage to display devices (24) of multiple spectating users causes the computer to function as an operation acceptance means (111) that accepts spectator operations by the multiple spectator users and an effect control means (113) that controls operation effects corresponding to the spectator operations, and the operation acceptance means causes the display device to display a guide image that provides guidance on the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed, as a guide instruction for the spectator operation.
In addition, a control method for a spectating system (100) in which game footage is distributed to display devices (24) of multiple spectating users accepts spectator operations by the multiple spectator users, controls an operation effect corresponding to the spectator operation, and displays, on the display device, a guide image that provides guidance on the operation timing at which the spectator operation should be performed as a guide instruction for the spectator operation.

This allows effects that are produced in response to operations by multiple spectating users to be related to each other. As a result, multiple spectating users can work together to realize a cheering action that is composed of multiple operation effects resulting from spectator operations that are input at the same time. This allows spectating users to feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users, which increases their motivation to watch. Furthermore, it is possible to provide spectating users with a simulated experience of multiple spectating users performing a cheering action together.

The effect control means (113) exerts the operation effect based on the input timing of the viewer operation.

This allows the timing of the operation effects that are generated in response to spectator operations to be as consistent as possible. This helps prevent the spectator users watching the game footage from feeling overwhelmed.

The watching system (100) further includes an evaluation means (112) for evaluating the interrelationship between the inputs of the watcher operations by each of the multiple watching users, and the effect control means (113) controls the operation effect corresponding to the watcher operation so that it changes based on the evaluation result of the interrelationship.

As a result, when the mutual relationship is highly evaluated, for example, when the spectator operation inputs by each of the multiple spectator users are close to each other, the operation effect changes, for example, emphasizing the cheering content. Therefore, the spectator users can obtain a reward that improves the effect of their cheering actions. As a result, the spectator users can be motivated to cheer in solidarity. Furthermore, the spectator users can be provided with a simulated experience of feeling as if multiple spectator users were cheering together.

The watching system (100) further comprises a compensation receiving means (114) for receiving a compensation for the watcher operation.
In addition, the operation accepting means (111) accepts, as the viewer operation, a primary operation that is conditional on the consumption of a compensation, and when the primary operation is accepted, accepts a subordinate operation as the viewer operation, and the operation accepting means (111) informs the operation timing at which the subordinate operation should be performed during the period in which the operation effect corresponding to the primary operation is being executed.
Moreover, the effect control means (113) controls the operation effect so as to change the display mode of an effect image or the output mode of an effect sound when the compensation is paid for the observer operation.

This allows multiple spectating users to work together to realize a cheering action that is composed of an operation effect due to a primary operation and an operation effect due to a subordinate operation. As a result, the spectating users can feel a sense of solidarity with other spectating users, which increases their motivation to watch. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the spectating users with a simulated experience of feeling as if multiple spectating users were performing a cheering action together.

11: Server control unit (computer)
24: Display unit (display device)
100: Spectating system 111: Operation receiving unit (operation receiving means)
112: Evaluation unit (evaluation means)
113: Effect control unit (effect control means)
114: payment receiving unit (payment receiving means)
PG: Spectating program (computer program)

Claims (1)

A watching system in which game footage is distributed to display devices of a plurality of watching users,
An operation receiving means for receiving spectator operations by the plurality of spectator users;
an effect control means for controlling an operation effect corresponding to the observer operation,
The operation receiving means displays, on the display device, a guide image for informing the user of an operation timing at which the user operation should be performed, as a guide instruction for the user operation, and receives the user operation performed before the operation timing .
The system further includes a payment receiving means for receiving a payment for the viewer operation,
A viewing system that enables the viewer to perform the viewer operation on condition that the viewer accepts a payment by the payment accepting means .

Images